Church Square bus service commitment

Assurances have been given that the bus services to and from Church Square will retained when the new bus facility is opened in the town.

This comes after John McCallister MLA, independent Unionist for South Down asked the Minister for Regional Development whether, upon completion of the proposed bus facility in Banbridge, the Church Square bus stop will continue to be served by inbound and outbound 238 and 238A services.

Welcoming the decision Mr McCallister commented: “I have been contacted by a number of constituents who have grown concerned that when the new bus facility is opened in Kenlis Street, the services to Church Square will stop.

“A lot of people from outside Banbridge use the Church Square car park as a park and ride facility.

“To halt the Belfast and Newry services from Church Square would remove that option and place extra pressure on the new facility at the top of the town.

“With further changes to the design at Kenlis Street this is even more important.”

Mr. McCallister did, however, voice his disappointment that plans for bicycle parking racks at the facility appear limited.

“The Department has informed me that the rack will be able to accommodate a minimum of five bicycles. For a town the size of Banbridge and its surrounding area, to end up with only five bicycle spaces at the new bus facility would be a real disappointment. I urge Translink to go well beyond the minimum requirement of five spaces.

“People from outside of Banbridge, and indeed those within it, will benefit from the ability to securely park their bicycles.

“It will encourage cycling and the use of public transport and is in line with the Minister’s Cycling Strategy.

“Not to have adequate bicycle facilities would be a missed opportunity.”